Location: Charlevoix
Top Things to do in Charlevoix
Top 10 Things to do in Charlevoix, Michigan (MI)
Charlevoix (/ˈʃɑːrləvɔɪ/ SHARL-ə-voy) is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,513 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Charlevoix County.
Restaurants in Charlevoix
1. Fresh Air Aviation- Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 102 reviews
See up to eleven Lake Michigan Lighthouses by Air - Most rarely seen. Also see the beauty of the Beaver Archipelago. Remote deserted islands, gorgeous blue water – you might think you are in the Caribbean. May even spot an historic ship wreck from the air on your tour. Our aircraft offer great visibility to take plenty of pictures. Quiet and comfortable. Let us help you build a package that is best for you.
2. Sunshine Charters Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 111 reviews
Enjoy a short cruise around the south side of Round Lake while viewing amazing homes and boathouses on our way out to Lake Charlevoix where we pop the sails. After sailing Lake Charlevoix, take a break with a quick swim before heading back through Round Lake’s north side. Blow the horn to open the bridge as we pass the “mushroom houses,” travel through the channel into Lake Michigan and spend the rest of the trip sailing the Great Lake before returning to the dock.Help raise and trim the sails or take the wheel and feel the exhilaration of steering a 40 ft long, 24ft wide custom offshore sailing catamaran. Whether a short swim off the boat or catching a spectacular sunset, Sunshine Charters will provide a one of a kind experience. Sunshine II is a Coast Guard inspected catamaran built for blue water sailing, ensuring you a safe and smooth ride on her spacious open deck. Sunshine Charters has over 15 years of providing safe and memorable sailing around Charlevoix the Beautiful!Private charters are available for groups up to 29 passengers. We will customize a sail to meet any group’s needs and itinerary: bridal, company, family, memorial, or friends.Daily Sail Times and Fares: 11:30-1:30-$35, 3:00-5:00-$35, 7:15-Sunset $40.00 -- (Children under 12, $10.00 off) Tickets available at the “Go Sailing” kiosk, of the Charlevoix City Harbor Master’s office, near the big white catamaran. Purchase tickets 15 minutes prior to departure.What to bring: sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, camera, jacket, snacks, alcohol or otherwise (pop & water are FREE)Credit cards accepted (5% discount for cash) 15% gratuity for the crew is anticipated
3. Bier Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Wonderful art by c.60 mostly Michigan artists in an attractive setting staffed by a welcoming family.
Reviewed By lorid715 - Lake City, United States
Always looking for local beer, we happened on this great location with a grassy, backyard seating area with a hilltop view. Outdoor games, fire pits and distanced seating. Staff was friendly and inviting. The Wobbly Pot IPA has a bright, hoppy flavor! Families with children as well as couples were enjoying the hospitality and pretty location.
4. Lake Michigan Shores Roadside Park
5. Charlevoix Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Through exhibits, programs, tours, and special events, The Charlevoix Historical Society celebrates Charlevoix’s history with visitors and residents alike. In addition to the museum, The Society has also restored the historic Train Depot and South Pier Lighthouse.
Reviewed By K3414OXjuliep
Just a couple of blocks from downtown is this cute little museum run by the Charlevoix Historical Society in the girlhood home of the wife of the real estate developer who crafted the locally famous Mushroom Houses. The staff is warm and welcoming, displays interesting and informative. Down in the gift shop you'll even find relics of Earnest Hemingway's first marriage. Speaking of the gift shop, we found our quarry hidden in the rack with the postcards -- a perfect little booklet for $5.00 that gave us brief facts about each of the mushroom houses with walking and driving tour directions. Stop and grab the booklet first like we did, peruse it at lunch in one of the many wonderful restaurants in town, and then go see the houses. This is a quick stop, but do make it part of your trip. Admission is free, but the Historical Society will appreciate your donation -- or spend some of your vacation budget there on a book of full color mushroom house photographs or on beautiful replica prints of Northern Michigan maps hand drawn by Irene Harsha-Young.
6. John Cross Fisheries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Basspohl - Lansing, United States
If you are seeking fresh fish, this is THE Place. the whitefish, lake trout and whitefish spread were all incredibly fresh and delicious. This is a small business, and I expect there are days they sell out so arrive early.
7. East Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By limila - Grand Rapids, United States
This park is in a perfect spot. You can see the marina and just sit and view the area. Lots of parking places and is downtown Charlevoix.
8. Applecore Cottage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Applecore Cottage is a Charlevoix, Michigan landmark and was named for the Apple trees on the property. It looks like it jumped out of the pages of a storybook. It was designed and built by Virginia Olsen, the daughter of Earl Young, the famous architect of the Charlevoix Mushroom Houses.
9. Mushroom House Tours of Charlevoix
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
Visit all 28 of these magical stone structures a.k.a.Gnome Homes/Hobbit Houses and experience this majestic architecture found nowhere else in the world!! Our knowledgeable and friendly guides will give you fun facts, stories and history not found in any book. Why just drive by and not know a thing about what you are looking at? Our tours will give you memories that will last a lifetime and you will be so glad you did!! There is a reason we are voted the #1 Thing to Do in Charlevoix, Mi!!
Reviewed By RoseBowlTraveler - Cincinnati, United States
Was planning a trip to the area and happened upon a travel article that referenced the Mushroom House Tours. Found there was space Saturday afternoon and booked it online. Enjoyed a lively and fun hour with Edith at the wheel as we rode the extended golf cart through the streets of Charlevoix learning about Earl Young, the Mushroom Houses and Boulder Park neighborhood. Well worth the time and I think much more fun than the self-guided tour. Only suggestion - they may want to consider a "Confirmation" so when you book tickets, you know you are confirmed. Otherwise a great way to learn about interesting architecture and the architect's personality.
10. Boulder Manor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
This house showcases Young's signature use of stones in a blend of practicality and fantasy.
Reviewed By garbo63
This is included on the Mushroom House tour. Then homes in bolder village are amazing really enjoyed this tour and would do again.
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